Ex-Virginia QB to play for uncle at Richmond

Posted by John Taylor on January 8, 2013, 6:32 AM EDT

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A little over a month after announcing his decision to transfer from Virginia, Michael Rocco has landed at a lower level to continue his playing career. And, as it turns out, he will find a familiar face on the sidelines to boot.

In a release, FCS program Richmond announced that Rocco was one of three players who have transferred into the football program. The Spiders are coached by Danny Rocco, who is the quarterback’s uncle.

After it became clear that Alabama transfer Phillip Sims was the future at the position, Rocco transferred from the Cavaliers in early December. Rocco started eight games this season, with Sims starting the other four. He started a total of 21 games the past two seasons and ended his Cavaliers career as a top-ten passer in a handful of statistical categories.

The release states that Richmond will seek a waiver on the NCAA’s “year in residency” bylaw that would allow Rocco to be eligible to compete beginning in the 2013 season.

In addition to Rocco’s, um, addition, Richmond announced that tight end Sean Fitzpatrick is transferring from North Carolina to the Spiders.

Normally, that’s true – except if you only have a single season of eligibility left, as is the case with Michael Rocco. Then the rule requires sitting out a year.

Richmond also picked up another wide receiver from Cornell, Shane Savage, who has one season of eligibility left. He can play right away because he’s already got his degree from Cornell. Sean Fitzpatrick has two seasons left, so he can also play right away.